The 13 schools that still have a legit shot to make the College Football Playoff

We have learned a few things over the years about how the committee picks the final four, and we have some idea of what teams need to do to make the playoff. Below, we ranked the 13 teams that still have a legit shot at making it.

On the outside, looking in, for now: Washington, Washington State, and Kentucky

One of the conferences is guaranteed to be left out and the way things are shaking out this year, that number could increase to two or three when the music stops this season. At this point, the Pac-12 champ is just not getting into the playoff over the Big Ten champ, the Big 12 champ, or Notre Dame. They might not even get in over a second SEC team. As for Kentucky, they would need to beat Georgia and Alabama. That doesn't seem realistic.

13. West Virginia

Record (AP rank): 5-1 (13)

Last week's result: Did not play

Last week's playoff rank: 13

Key games remaining:

One thing to know: There is no guarantee the Big 12 will get a team in the playoff, and if it does, WVU appears to have the longest shot out of the group that also includes Oklahoma and Texas. The Mountaineers have a loss to Iowa State and the tougher road to winning out.

12. Iowa

Record (AP rank): 6-1 (18)

Last week's result: Beat Maryland, 23-0

Last week's playoff rank: t14

Key games remaining: Iowa's next three games are Penn State and Purdue on the road and Northwestern at home.

One thing to know: The biggest impact of Ohio State's loss was that it re-opened the door for the winner of the Big Ten West if it is Iowa, and if they can get to the title game with one loss and win the game. It's not a good chance, but there is a path.

11. UCF

Record (AP rank): 7-0 (10)

Last week's result: Beat East Carolina, 37-10

Last week's playoff rank: 11

Key games remaining:

One thing to know: As long as Notre Dame is in the mix, it nearly eliminates any good shot UCF has to sneak into the playoff party. If the Irish are in, at least two of the Power 5 conference champs are going to be knocked out and it is hard to imagine the committee taking UCF and knocking out a third conference champ.

10. Florida

Record (AP rank): 6-1 (9)

Last week's result: Did not play

Last week's playoff rank: 10

Key games remaining:

One thing to know: Florida still has a lot of doubters, but that will go away if they can beat Georgia and take command of the SEC East.

9. Oklahoma

Record (AP rank): 6-1 (8)

Last week's result: Beat TCU, 52-27

Last week's playoff rank: 9

Key games remaining:

One thing to know:

8. Texas

Record (AP rank): 6-1 (6)

Last week's result: Did not play

Last week's playoff rank: 8

Key games remaining:

One thing to know: Texas has looked mediocre at times, but they might also be undefeated if not for an ill-timed lightning delay against Maryland.

7. LSU

Record (AP rank): 6-1 (4)

Last week's result: Did not play

Last week's playoff rank: 8

Key games remaining: LSU

One thing to know: It's pretty simple for LSU: Beat Alabama and they will probably go to the playoff. But if they lose — even a close game — the Tigers are probably out.

6. Georgia

Record (AP rank): 6-1 (7)

Last week's result: Did not play

Last week's playoff rank: 6

Key games remaining:

One thing to know:

5. Michigan

Record (AP rank): 7-1 (5)

Last week's result: Beat Michigan State, 21-7

Last week's playoff rank: 5

Key games remaining: Michigan still has to get by Penn State at home and Ohio State on the road.

One thing to know: At the end of the day, things are pretty straight-forward now. The winner of SEC is in. Clemson is in if they win the ACC. Notre Dame is in if they are undefeated. And the winner of the Big Ten probably has the edge over the winner of the Big 12, and that will likely come down to the winner of the Michigan-Ohio State game.

4. Ohio State

Record (AP rank): 7-1 (11)

Last week's result: Lost to Purdue, 49-20

Last week's playoff rank: 3

Key games remaining: Ohio State still has Michigan State on the road and Michigan at home.

One thing to know: The loss to Purdue did not change much. The winner of the Big Ten East is almost certainly going to be decided by the Ohio State-Michigan game. If the Buckeyes win that game and then win the conference title game, they will still be Big Ten champs with just one loss. In other words, Ohio State still has a good shot at the playoff. The loss did solidify Notre Dame's spot a tad and now there will be some debate over whether the Big Ten is more deserving of a playoff spot than the Big 12.

3. Notre Dame

Record (AP rank): 7-0 (3)

Last week's result: Did not play

Last week's playoff rank: 4

Key games remaining:

One thing to know: Notre Dame is now one of only three remaining undefeated power schools.

2. Clemson

Record (AP rank): 7-0 (2)

Last week's result: Beat North Carolina State, 41-7

Last week's playoff rank: 2

Key games remaining: Clemson has no ranked opponents left, but do have to go on the road to face Boston College and Florida State.

One thing to know: Clemson's path to finishing undefeated is easier than Alabama's path, but Clemson also stands to lose more if they do stumble along the way.

1. Alabama

Record (AP rank): 8-0 (1)

Last week's result: Beat Tennessee, 58-21

Last week's playoff rank: 1

Key games remaining:

One thing to know: The Tide's schedule is not easy, but even if they lose, they would probably still be the top team among those with one loss. But if they lose to LSU and don't make the SEC title game, would the committee dare take two SEC teams, Notre Dame, and Clemson, and leave out the Big Ten and Big 12 teams completely?

Now check out some waiver-wire players to target in fantasy football.

The 13 schools that still have a legit shot to make the College Football Playoff

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